Monday marked the grand opening of the new gift shop at Belleville General Hospital.
The Gift Boutique is now open in a new location just inside the hospital’s main entrance.
The shop, which had been operated by the Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary for decades, was forced to close in 2020 to allow for expanded oncology services amid pandemic-related care needs.
Quinte Health CEO and President Stacey Daub calls the boutique a symbol of resilience, generosity and community spirit.
“And it’s an opportunity for people to be able to pick up a gift, something they need for a patient or a friend or even someone in the community. And so it’s an amazing contribution. And this Auxiliary, many people don’t know but they are major fundraisers for the hospital. So they fundraise for equipment and supplies but they also volunteer across the hospital.”
Speaking at the ribbon cutting, Mayor Neil Ellis highlighted the importance of volunteers in strengthening the local healthcare system. “Belleville is fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers who are deeply committed to supporting our hospital,” he said. “The Auxiliary’s efforts make a real difference in the lives of patients, families, and hospital staff, and I’m honoured to celebrate this milestone with them today.”
BGH Auxiliary President Heather Smith says the Gift Boutique is just one of their many ventures.
“We operate a number of retail spaces. The Aroma Café and the Opportunities Shop down at the market. This is just another venture where we’ll be raising money to support our programs and services here at Quinte Health’s Belleville General.”
Smith estimates the Auxiliary has 120 to 140 active members volunteering their time.
“We are generally the first people that people see as they enter the hospital and we provide a friendly welcome. We tell people the accurate path to get to where they’re going.”
The Gift Boutique relocated with the help of Trenval Business Development Corporation which contributed $10,000 toward the project.
“We are proud to support this important initiative, knowing that the Gift Boutique’s success translates to tangible benefits for hospital programs and patient care,” says Amber Darling, Executive Director, Trenval Development Corporation.
The Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary (originally the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary) has been providing support for the hospital since 1938.
For more information or to get involved with the BGHA, visit bellevillehospitalvolunteers.ca
